Pool Safety: Williams Featured in the Journal de Montréal
En collaboration avec
New Partnership Between Williams and the Lifesaving Society of Québec for Drowning Prevention
Purchase an Identified Product = $10 Donated to the Foundation
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Customer Satisfaction Is Our Priority
Christian Dion
« Completely satisfied with everything. Their products are of outstanding quality, and the service is excellent in every respect. I highly recommend this company. The look of my backyard is now breathtaking. Thank you to the entire team. »
Patrick Belanger
Simple installation and high-end product. Really satisfied! And what can I say about the service — Ms. N. Charest took the time to explain everything to me so I could properly plan my project. It helped me minimize waste.
Benoit
Excellent product! Our questions were answered, and the whole process went very smoothly. We picked up our fence in Laval and chose the Moderna5 model for our pool, which I installed myself. Everything went perfectly — here are a few photos from the installation.
Technical Specifications
Residential Pool Safety in Québec: What You Need to Know for 2026
Pool safety is a top priority in Québec. As of September 30, 2025 (two-year extension), all in-ground, semi in-ground, and above-ground pools with direct ground access must be protected by a fence that complies with the new provincial standards. This regulation aims to reduce the risk of drowning, particularly among young children.
What Is a Compliant Pool Fence in Québec?
To be considered compliant, a pool fence must meet several precise criteria:
• Minimum height of 1.2 meters (without any structure that facilitates climbing)
• Locked gate at all times with a secure latch
• Spacing under 10 cm (4 inches) between vertical bars to prevent climbing
• Self-closing and self-latching gate mechanism
• Minimum distance of 1 meter between the fence and the pool’s edge
These criteria apply even to pools installed before 2010, as the new regulation removes the exemption previously granted to older installations.
Which Pools Are Affected by the New Regulation?
The regulation applies to:
• All in-ground pools
• All semi in-ground pools
• All above-ground pools with direct access to the ground
Only above-ground pools with rigid walls of at least 1.2 meters high, without a platform or accessible stairs, are exempt.
Note: your above-ground pool includes a deck or exterior staircase, a compliant fence will be required.
What Are the Deadlines to Secure Your Pool?
Homeowners have until September 30, 2025 (one-year extension) to make their installation compliant.
After this date, non-compliance during inspection could result in fines of up to $5,000.
Why Secure Your Pool Now?
• Avoid fines: Get compliant before the deadline.
• Protect your family: Reduce the risk of accidents, especially for young children.
• Increase your property value: A secure pool is an attractive feature that enhances your home’s safety and market appeal.
Pool safety is a top priority in Québec. As of September 30, 2025 (two-year extension), all in-ground, semi in-ground, and above-ground pools with direct ground access must be protected by a fence that complies with the new provincial standards. This regulation aims to reduce the risk of drowning, particularly among young children.
What Is a Compliant Pool Fence in Québec?
To be considered compliant, a pool fence must meet several precise criteria:
• Minimum height of 1.2 meters (without any structure that facilitates climbing)
• Locked gate at all times with a secure latch
• Spacing under 10 cm (4 inches) between vertical bars to prevent climbing
• Self-closing and self-latching gate mechanism
• Minimum distance of 1 meter between the fence and the pool’s edge
These criteria apply even to pools installed before 2010, as the new regulation removes the exemption previously granted to older installations.
Which Pools Are Affected by the New Regulation?
The regulation applies to:
• All in-ground pools
• All semi in-ground pools
• All above-ground pools with direct access to the ground
Only above-ground pools with rigid walls of at least 1.2 meters high, without a platform or accessible stairs, are exempt.
Note: your above-ground pool includes a deck or exterior staircase, a compliant fence will be required.
What Are the Deadlines to Secure Your Pool?
Homeowners have until September 30, 2025 (one-year extension) to make their installation compliant.
After this date, non-compliance during inspection could result in fines of up to $5,000.
Why Secure Your Pool Now?
• Avoid fines: Get compliant before the deadline.
• Protect your family: Reduce the risk of accidents, especially for young children.
• Increase your property value: A secure pool is an attractive feature that enhances your home’s safety and market appeal.
In-ground pool
The required enclosure must prevent the passage of a spherical object 10 cm (4 in) in diameter, be at least 1.2 meters (4 ft) in height, and be free of any projections, fasteners, or open parts that could allow climbing.
Slopes, hedges, and shrubs cannot be used as an enclosure.
A building wall cannot serve as an enclosure if it contains an opening (such as a door, patio door, or window).
Any door built into the enclosure must have a security device installed on the inside, at the upper part of the door, allowing it to close and lock automatically.
Any equipment related to the operation of the pool (filter, pump, etc.) must be installed at least 1 meter (3 ft) away from the pool wall or, if applicable, at least 1 meter outside the enclosure.
Pool accessories — including ladders, platforms, slides, or any other structures related to pool use (except for the pool filter) — must be installed at least 1.5 meters (5 ft) from the side and rear property lines, and 4 meters (13 ft) from the front property line.
Above ground pool
An above-ground pool with a minimum height of 1.2 meters (4 ft) or a removable pool with a minimum height of 1.4 meters (4.6 ft) does not need to be surrounded by an enclosure when access to the pool is provided through:
A ladder equipped with a safety gate that closes and locks automatically.
A ladder or platform equipped with an enclosure as described previously.
A deck attached to the residence, arranged so that the section providing access to the pool is equipped with an enclosure as described previously.
Any equipment related to the operation of the pool (filter, pump, etc.) must be installed at least 1 meter (3 ft) from the pool wall or, if applicable, at least 1 meter outside the enclosure.
Required height
36"
42"
48"
Staircase
Less than 5’11” from the ground
More than 5’11” from the ground
Access to the pool
Discussion with Guylaine, Events Director at the Lifesaving Society of Quebec
Provincial regulations on residential pool safety.
Donate directly to the Lifesaving Society
You can always make a direct donation to the Lifesaving Society to help support and enhance its programs, activities, and services dedicated to drowning prevention.